That was a lie.
I knew exactly why.
Because the first time
you called me Dad, I realized fatherhood had nothing to do with bl/o/od and everything to do with who stays when leaving would be easier.
Daniel turned away.
I continued reading.
There is one final thing I need you to do.
Find Margaret.
My breath caught.
She will be lonely long before she admits she is lonely.
I almost laughed through my tears.
That sounded exactly like Robert.
Do not rescue her.
She hates being rescued.
I did laugh then.
Claire reached for my hand.
Simply remind her that the world has not finished surprising her.
The next line stopped me.
And Daniel—if she frightens you, that means she likes you.
I stared at the page.
Michael made a strange choking noise.
Claire covered her mouth.
Daniel turned bright red.
Even Harold smiled.
“No,” I whispered.
